Erythronium pusaterii
Kaweah fawn lily, Kaweah Fawn Lily
(c) Ed Alverson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ed Alverson · licence
Family: Liliaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.3
Erythronium pusaterii (Kaweah fawn lily) is a native California herb in the Liliaceae family, recognized by extensive bright yellow at petal bases diagnostic.
Kaweah fawn lily is a rare (CNPS 1B.3) California native perennial found in southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in Tulare County, inhabiting meadows and rocky ledges at elevations of 2,100 to 2,775 meters. Flowering from May to July, this plant produces white flowers with bright yellow lower thirds, aging to a soft pink, on stems with a distinctive reddish tint. Growing with slender stems 12 to 40 centimeters tall, it emerges from a narrowly ovoid bulb 40 to 60 millimeters long. Its leaves are 10 to 35 centimeters long, lanceolate with slightly wavy margins and a vibrant green color. Individual plants can bear between one and eight flowers, each with elegant white and yellow perianth parts measuring 25 to 45 millimeters long.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; extensive bright yellow at petal bases diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Meadows, rocky ledges
Elevation: 2100-2775 m
California counties: Tulare, Trinity
Bloom period
Erythronium pusaterii blooms May-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.3
How to tell it apart
vs Lilium: Erythronium has two mottled basal leaves; Lilium has unmottled leaves arranged in whorls up the stem.; vs Scoliopus: Erythronium has nodding flowers with reflexed petals; Scoliopus has upright flowers with twisted, purple-striped petals.; vs Sparaxis: Erythronium has two basal leaves and nodding flowers; Sparaxis has grass-like leaves and upright flowers.; vs Fritillaria: Erythronium has mottled basal leaves; Fritillaria has unmottled narrow leaves arranged up the stem.; vs Tulipa: Erythronium has mottled leaves and nodding flowers with reflexed petals; Tulipa has plain leaves and upright cup-shaped flowers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Erythronium pusaterii native to California?
Yes. Erythronium pusaterii is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Erythronium pusaterii bloom?
Erythronium pusaterii blooms May-Jul.
Where in California does Erythronium pusaterii grow?
Erythronium pusaterii occurs in Tulare, Trinity, at elevations of 2100-2775 m.
What plant family does Erythronium pusaterii belong to?
Erythronium pusaterii is in the Liliaceae family, genus Erythronium.
Is Erythronium pusaterii rare or endangered?
Erythronium pusaterii carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.3, state rank S3.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.